The
city by the bay is laden with adventure and attractions, whether it be a
ferry ride to Alcatraz, sampling the cuisine of Little Italy, or
exploring the hills that surround the city. San Francisco is home to one
of the most ethnically and culturally diverse communities in the United
States, making it an amazing place to visit. Be sure to get breakfast
at Mama’s before heading onto Coit Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge.
#24 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang
Mai is far greener and quieter than other cities in Thailand. The ‘Rose
of the North’ township encapsulates much of what is unique and
breathtaking about Thailand, including magnificent temples.
#23 - Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon
is both Medieval and Moorish in design, sitting on a luxurious beach
that’s hard to beat in the summer. The city is overlooked by the
gargantuan Caste of St. George. This same traditional architecture is
found throughout the city, including in the century-old wooden trams.
#22 - Sydney, Australia
While
Sydney is a sprawling city, it remains largely dominated by nature,
with national parks carving their way through the ports. The luxurious
beaches, amazing weather, and nightlife make Sydney an unforgettable
destination.
#21 - Budapest, Hungary
Hugging
the Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west, and Great Plains to
the east, Budapest is surrounded by beautiful landscapes on all sides.
The neoclassical city is just as gorgeous, though it still wears scars
from World War II and the 1956 Uprising. The city is built on numerous
hot springs, making the local bathhouses a must-see.
#20 - Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok
is home to beautiful Buddhist temples and amazing nightlife. The value
of the dollar makes this incredible city a relatively cheap place to
travel.
#19 - Cape Town, South Africa
Cape
Town is unique getaway, surrounded by glistening seas and pristine
beaches on one side, and a breathtaking mountain range on the other. The
city is by far one of the most cosmopolitan in Africa, stemming from
its colonial roots, which one can still see in the architecture today.
#18 - Chicago, USA
Chicago
is the stronghold of the American Midwest, the home of the blues and a
hotbed for jazz music. The picturesque skyline is home to the world’s
first skyscrapers, as well as some of the best comedy clubs in the
States.
#17 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
If
you’re less into history, and more into futuristic metropolises, Dubai
is the flashiest of them all. The city is home to the tallest building
(Burj Khalifa), as well as the Dubai Mall, the largest of its kind in
the world. Other features include amazing artificial islands and some of
the best beaches around. When you consider that Dubai was a small
tribal town until the 1970s, the current spectacle is mind-blowing.
#16 - St. Petersburg, Russia
St.
Petersburg has been called Russia’s window to the West. Unlike Moscow,
which features red bricks and domes, St. Petersburg’s canals and
neoclassical architecture was designed by Italians, giving the city a
European look. It also has a European feel, with modern art galleries
and underground clubs, which make the city a spectatle at night.
#15 - Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona
is a city that combines both the old and the new in a magnificent
fashion. Much of the city is as it was centuries ago, with narrow
streets everywhere you look. On the beachfront, you’ll find the modern
luxuries and unparalleled resorts.
#14 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is
called the “Paris of South America” because of the city's rich European
heritage and grand architecture. Despite this, the city maintains its
Latin American passion, with sidewalk cafes and beautiful parks.
#13 - Florence, Italy
Florence
is a city, seemingly paused in the past. This beautiful Renaissance
city is home to some of Italy’s - if not the world’s - best museums,
galleries, cathedrals, churches, squares, and shops. The Cathedral of
Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza della Signoria serve as a good stepping
stone into this amazing city.
#12 - New York City, USA
New
York City is arguably the centre of modern Western culture. Whether
you’re taking a leisurely bike ride through Central Park, exploring the
endless heights of downtown, or chowing down at historic pizza parlors,
the city has something for everyone.
#11 - Berlin, Germany
Just
like London and Paris, Berlin is the centre of centuries worth of
unique culture, art, and architecture. Berlin is a time capsule,
including the remnants of time periods from the medieval to the modern
and from Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall. Explore the underground
and you’ll find some of the most exhilarating non-stop nightlife
anywhere in the world.
#10 -Shanghai, China
The
joy of Shanghai lies on the street level, where everyday life bustles
across miles of metropolis. You’ll find the Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha
Temple, and Dongtai Road market, which make the city a once in a
lifetime experience.
#9 - Siem Reap, Cambodia
Although
the city of Siem Reap is relatively new, it is surrounded by the
ancient remains of Angkor Wat, the City of Temples and the largest
religious monument in the world. What Angkor Wat offers in terms of
exploration and adventure, Siem Reap offers in rest and relaxation.
#8 - Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi
is an fascinating blend of East and West, combining traditional
Vietnamese culture with French colonial flair. Thankfully, the city was
untouched by decades of war and is now more vibrant and active than
ever, with the Old Quarter serving as one of the greatest markets in the
world. The Vietnamese Women’s Museum highlights the role of women in
Vietnam’s history and is well worth a visit. If it’s nightlife that
you’re after, check out one of the many theatres.
#7 - Paris, France
Paris
is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. The city contains centuries
worth of art and architecture from across the world, housed in
historical venues like the Louvre and Orangerie. One week would barely
be long enough to scratch the surface of what this city has to offer -
let alone the magnificent food in restaurants like Le Fumoir.
#6 - Marrakech, Morocco
The
vibrant spices that were once traded through Marrakech have rubbed off
on the city itself. With buzzing markets and colourful bazaars, the city
is ideal for anyone who wants to get a taste of traditional Moroccan
life. Where better to stay than the luxurious Taj Palace, with an
amazing view of the Atlas mountains.
#5 - Prague, Czech Republic
Prague
is credited as having been a major political, cultural, and economic
centre of medieval Europe. Now, the city is having a renaissance.
Whether you visit the modern Dancing House or the medieval Prague
Castle, the city has found a perfect balance between new and old.
#4 - Beijing, China
Beijing
is one of the largest and oldest settlements in the world. With a
history of more than 3,000 years, the city is home to some of the most
important monuments in China, including remnants of the Great Wall and
the Forbidden Palace.
#3 - London, United Kingdom
The
former capital of the largest empire on Earth, London is a hot pot of
culture, with more than 300 languages spoken within its boundaries. You
can find food, art, entertainment from every corner of the world, as
well experience the finest English architecture at sites like Kew
Gardens and Westminster Abbey.
#2 - Rome, Italy
Rome
is one of the most significant cities in the history of Western
civilization and has a legacy that spans more than two and a half
thousand years. Street artists and fine restaurants line the roads and
monumental landmarks of this eternal city. Sights include Ostia Antica,
an ancient preserved port the villa of Emperor Commodus.
#1 - Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul
is a vibrant city, straddling Europe and Asia as well as Christianity
and Islam for thousands of years. The city is known for its delicious
food, amazing coffee, sprawling marketplaces, and ancient architecture -
including grand mosques and churches. At the end of a long day, be sure
to take a moment to relax in a luxurious bathhouse.
